Feminist and LGBTQ+ Studies

Abstract

This research examines the power dynamics and hierarchies in international development that systematically exclude and minoritize women of colour in the workplace, particularly as they relate to gender, race, and class. Narrative interviews were conducted with 24 women of colour who work in the energy and health sub-sectors in the US donor and implementing agencies to generate counternarratives or stories of minoritized individuals that challenge master narratives. Master narratives are dominant cultural, political, or historical stories used by the majority to legitimate their power and position and normalize oppression. The interviews were analysed using intersectionality and critical race theory as theoretical lenses. Counternarratives were classified according to the four domains of power – structural, disciplinary, homogeneous, and interpersonal – to show how oppression and privilege show up and interact in different settings. Prior work in this space has highlighted the experiences of women of colour in the workplace in sectors like education, but there is limited scholarly work in international development. The present research contributes to knowledge by looking at an industry that has colonial roots. By articulating the counternarratives of women of colour who work in international development, this study lessens their invisibility as a minority and aids others who experience similar obstacles. The study provides evidence-based support for the critical role of intersectional leadership and a comparative lens between two sub-sectors in development – energy and health – which contrast in many ways. 

Biography

Ellen Bomasang is an international development professional whose focus has been clean energy, climate, and inclusive growth across emerging economies for over 25 years. She started her career in the renewable energy space, concentrating on policy, finance, and rural access issues, and then shifted her focus to gender equality and social inclusion issues in that domain.  She has since led the design and delivery of interventions geared at closing gender gaps in employment and skills, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and livelihoods. Her research interests include climate equity, inclusive development, and equity in the workplace.